Resilience and Hope

Sandy’s journey back to housing was long and full of setbacks, but has ultimately been defined by resilience and hope. 

Sandy grew up in Union City, California as an only child. She cherishes her memories in Union City, reflecting on spending time with her father and riding their horses. Santa Cruz was a second home to Sandy, as she grew up spending time visiting Boulder Creek. 

As an adult, Sandy built a steady life in Kansas City, and worked hard in a variety of jobs . She held a position at a civil engineering firm as a building facilitator, worked as a medical receptionist, painted houses, and picked up repair jobs.  

After some time, Sandy moved back to Boulder Creek to raise her family in the place she had visited so often growing up.  She remembers the town at that time as small, quiet, and secluded, with her kids attending Boulder Creek Elementary.
 
When her father became suddenly ill, Sandy returned to Kansas City to support her parents. After his passing, the family home was sold and she had no place to return. She moved back to Santa Cruz, but her children were grown and living their own lives. With few options, she found herself without stable housing.

Sandy’s journey through homelessness took many forms. For a time, she lived in a tent deep in the woods off of Highway 17. The challenges were constant. Sandy recounts how unsafe she felt during this period of her life, knowing she was exposed to the elements and completely unsheltered. The simplest things most folks take for granted were the largest issues for Sandy. Even getting a shower and laundry was hard. “Taking a shower was the most important thing,” she remembers. “When it rained, everything would get wet. It was horrible.”

Despite the hardship, she adapted and made the best of her situation. Sleeping outside was new to her.  “We never even went camping as kids,” she reflects. “Homelessness was brand new to me. I learned to cook outside, go to the parks and make meals, and share them with my fellow homeless friends.” 

One day, while driving through the mountains, Sandy noticed people giving away food. That encounter introduced her to the Association of Faith Communities’ Safe Spaces program, where she met Father Joseph and found a new level of support. Safe parking, showers, clothing, and community gave her the stability to keep moving forward. After many years in the program, and years of hard work, persistence and patiently waiting , Sandy was matched with a housing voucher. 

Even then, the road to finding permanent housing was long and hard. Sandy recalls the experience was full of disappointment and rejection. Though often discouraging, she persevered with grace and patience. “I didn't want to stay in the same situation” she shared, motivated by the hope of stability and a better future. 
Sandy’s hard work and perseverance in the face of so many challenges paid off. In August of 2025, after 15 years of homelessness, she moved into her own home. 

The relief was overwhelming. “It feels like I can breathe again, like my freedom has been restored. God has blessed me.” Getting out of the constant survival mode she has been in for the past 15 years is like a breath of fresh air. “You don't have a future when you are homeless, it’s day to day survival” she reflects on how her days were filled with focusing on getting her basic necessities met. 

Today, Sandy is focused on rebuilding her life. “If you're not looking into the future, you are going to stay in the past,” she says. She looks forward to getting organized, walking her dog in the park, and enjoying her time without the constant search for food and shelter. “It’s my turn now,” she says with determination. 
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She also hopes others can better understand the truth about homelessness. “We get blamed for so much, and it’s just not that way. Programs like Downtown Streets Team show us giving back. Take a look before you judge.” Sandy is grateful for the support she received along the way, and the chance to start fresh. She is grateful for Safe Spaces, sharing “this is a great program from advocacy and presenting us in a different light”.

Written by Xenia Garcia